Texans Zero In on Offensive Upgrades with Eyes on AFC Championship Leap
The Houston Texans have made one thing clear heading into the 2026 offseason: it’s time to break through the Divisional Round ceiling. After three straight winning seasons and a steady climb under head coach DeMeco Ryans and quarterback C.J.
Stroud, Houston is knocking on the door of something bigger. But with an 0-8 record all-time in the Divisional Round, the next step isn’t just a goal-it’s the expectation.
To get there, the Texans know they’ve got to shore up two key areas on offense: the offensive line and the running back position. And with limited cap space but strong draft capital, the path to improvement is clear-build through the draft.
Let’s start with the big men up front. Fixing the offensive line isn’t just a want-it’s a need.
C.J. Stroud showed flashes of brilliance in his first two seasons, but consistency starts with protection.
Too often last year, Stroud was forced off his spot or hurried into throws. An upgraded line gives him the chance to operate with rhythm and confidence, and that ripple effect touches every part of the offense.
The Texans hold four picks in the top 69 of the 2026 NFL Draft, which gives general manager Nick Caserio plenty of flexibility. That’s a strong hand to play, especially for a team that isn’t expected to be a major player in free agency due to its cap situation (ranked 21st league-wide, per OverTheCap.com).
Houston may not be shopping at the top of the free agent market, but they don’t need to. The draft is where they’ll make their moves.
And here’s where it gets interesting: bolstering the offensive line could also breathe life into the Texans’ ground game. Houston’s rushing attack lacked punch last season, and while some of that falls on the backs themselves, it’s hard to run the ball when there’s no push up front. A retooled line could open up lanes and create opportunities, whether the Texans stick with their current backfield or bring in fresh legs through the draft.
That brings us to running back-a position that’s often devalued in today’s NFL, but still vital for balance and late-season success. With several intriguing prospects expected to be available in the early rounds, Houston has a real shot to find a back who can contribute right away. A dynamic rookie runner behind a stronger line could be exactly what this offense needs to take pressure off Stroud and keep defenses honest.
There’s also some chatter about adding depth at safety, but make no mistake-the top priorities are clear. The Texans are a 12-5 team that’s right on the edge of contention.
This isn’t a rebuild. It’s a refinement.
And with the right moves in April, they could finally punch their ticket to the AFC Championship Game.
The pieces are there. The quarterback is in place.
The culture is set. Now it’s about finding the right fits in the trenches and the backfield.
If Houston hits on those picks, the Divisional Round might not be their stopping point much longer.